VALUE OF LAPAROSCOPY IN NEONATES WITH OVA RIAN CYSTS DIAGNOSED PRENATALLY

Twenty-two newborns were admitted to the department of pediatric surge ry in Strasbourg, between 1982 and 1994, because of a supposed antenat al diagnosis (between 30 to 38 weeks) of ovarian cyst (5 to 10 cm). Fr om 1982 to 1991, 14 newborn Infants underwent a short laparotomy, and 1 was discharged without any operation because of an uncomplicated van ishing cyst. From 1991 to 1994, seven newborn infants underwent an ope n laparoscopy. The operative technique is accurately described. All ch ildren were asymptomatic. Seven cases had a palpable abdominal tumor. In 19 cases, the ovarian cyst was responsable for an adnexial torsion. In these cases, the ovarian cyst was haemorragic and necrotic. In one case, a dermoid cyst was found. Laparoscopy offers a safe exploration of the child's gynecologic status, allowing resection of a large tumo r, or acting as a complement to the conservative treatment of a non co mplicated ovarian cyst. Histologic examination of the cyst helps to pl an an adequate follow-up.